Colorado’s High Country Hosts Variety Of Sun Splashed Events

Denver, Colo. – June 4, 2013 – This summer, Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) resorts are hosting a variety of events that will appeal to guests of all ages and interests, including several unique activities that won’t take place anywhere else. Summertime provides the perfect opportunity for guests to escape the heat of the city and head to the mountains for cooler temperatures and a litany of events.

Despite the fact that Colorado’s ski season is still winding down as Arapahoe Basin readies for their last weekend of the season, resorts have prepared for the summer months by packing activities and events into a fully loaded schedule through Labor Day, including festivals, wine tastings, dirt biking, mountain-side yoga and multiple races. Below is a roundup of fun family activities and events that are taking place this summer amidst Colorado Ski Country’s beautiful mountain scenery.

Arapahoe Basin

July 7 – Arapahoe Basin Summit Challenge

This trail run on the mountain is followed by a barbeque and live music at Black Mountain Lodge. The barbeque and concert are open to the public. For more information, guests can visit www.arapahoebasin.com/summer or call 888-ARAPAHOE.

Cost: Trail run and lunch

- Pre-reg: adults $30, 12 and under $25

- Day-of: adults $40, 12 and under $35

Cost: Lift and lunch

- Adults $20, 12 and under $15

Cost: Lunch (hike up or 13/14 season pass holders)

- All ages $15

July 11, July 25 and August 8 – Yoga on the Mountain

Guests can hike to mid-mountain for a one-hour yoga session and spa luncheon. The cost is $40 for each session or $105 for all three sessions. For more information, guests can visit www.arapahoebasin.com/summer or call 888-ARAPAHOE.

July 19 – Wildflower Dinner

This unique event is an all-Colorado feast at Black Mountain Lodge. Guests are invited to hike up through wildflower fields or take the lift. Reservations are required, and the cost is $82 per person. For more information, guests can visit www.arapahoebasin.com/summer or call 888-ARAPAHOE.

August 1 – Music on the Mountain and Wine Tasting

Guests can hike and take in a chamber music concert with wine tasting at Black Mountain Lodge at mid-mountain. For more information, guests can visit www.arapahoebasin.com/summer or call 888-ARAPAHOE.

August 11 – Brunch at Black Mountain Lodge

Guests are invited to join friends and family at the Basin for an unlimited buffet Sunday Brunch at Black Mountain Lodge from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This is a lift-served event. For more information, guests can visit www.arapahoebasin.com/summer or call 888-ARAPAHOE.

Aspen/Snowmass

July 12 – 14 – Master of the Mass

This four-stage, three-day mountain biking race in Snowmass will be hosted July 12 – 14.The Enduro Mountain Bike Race demands that riders conquer a variety of terrain including chainless downhill, cross-country, downhill and super-downhill stages. However, the ultimate challenge is that all racers must ride on one bike for all four disciplines. www.aspensnowmass.com/master

August 3 – Power of Four Mountain Bike Race

The Power of Four Mountain Bike Race takes place Saturday, August 3. This race combines the four ski areas of Aspen/Snowmass – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk – into one challenging course. www.aspensnowmass.com/poweroffour

Guests are invited to take in the beauty of Aspen as students of the world-renowned Aspen Music Festival perform a repertoire of their own choosing. Free performances begin at 1 p.m. on Saturdays, July 6, and run through August 10.

Bluegrass Sundays

Guests can enjoy free performances by top bluegrass musicians from around Colorado and the country. These concerts are held from 12 to 3 p.m. on Sundays, June 16 – September 1.

Summer Yoga on Aspen Mountain

Scenic yoga sessions atop Aspen Mountain will take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday beginning June 17 – August 23 at 10:20 a.m. Each participant must reserve a spot, have a current ticket for the day and get a yoga voucher at the ticket window the day of the yoga session.

Valhalla Nights

Snowmass will open for evening activities with Valhalla Nights, an extension of the popular Ullr Nights that debuted this winter at Elk Camp on July 12 and 19 and August 2, 16, 23 and 30. The Elk Camp Gondola will run until 7 p.m. for biking, hiking, dinner and drinks, a bonfire, live music, movies, a Stryder Park and a kid's playground.

The Colorado Endurance Race Series, Colorado’s largest trail race series, stops at Copper Mountain for a three-day running and multi-sport festival. With some of the best terrain and abundant mountain scenery, Copper Mountain brings together more than 4,000 runners and athletes from around the Rocky Mountains. This is so much more than a running festival with more than 30 local and national vendors promoting their goods and services to the running community.

Wanderlust is a one-of-a-kind festival bringing together the world's leading yoga teachers, top musical acts and DJs, renowned speakers, top chefs and winemakers – all in a setting of breathtaking natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. This summer, Wanderlust coincides with Copper Mountain’s 4th of July celebration. Guests are invited to bring the whole family as musical artist MOBY headlines this progressive festival. Artist interviews are available upon request.

The 24th Annual Children’s Hospital Courage Classic returns to Copper Mountain for three days of cycling over three Rocky Mountain passes. More than 2,000 riders hit the roads to raise money for the Children’s Hospital in Denver. This season, all starts and finishes are based out of Copper Mountain making Center Village the hub for entertainment throughout the tour.

Hikers can lace up the hiking boots, fill up the hydration pack and grab friends and family to hike for a great cause. Join Hike MS at Copper Mountain this summer and climb for a cure for Multiple Sclerosis in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Hiking routes vary from two to ten miles to accommodate all abilities.

The famous Copper Triangle has long been considered one of Colorado’s classic alpine road rides featuring breathtaking scenery, gorgeous roads and three iconic climbs; the Copper Triangle exemplifies cycling in the Colorado Rockies. The Copper Triangle is a 78-mile ride with an elevation gain of almost 6,000 feet over three mountain passes: Fremont, Tennessee and Vail.

The world’s largest obstacle race series, the Warrior Dash is a one-of-a-kind racing experience. With obstacles named Muddy Mayhem, Giant Cliffhanger and Vicious Valley, athletes are put to the ultimate physical and mental test as they run their way through this unique 5k course. Warrior Dash has hosted over 150,000 participants and has collectively raised over $5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with partnering events through Red Frog Events.

This event, in the beautiful backdrop of Copper Mountain, showcases talent from Smooth Jazz and Fusion to Mainstream Jazz, delighting the senses. Known for its scenic splendor, internationally renowned talent and diverse wine selection, Genuine Jazz & Wine delivers a unique, fan-based experience that attendees talk about throughout the year. Those in attendance can meet, mingle, and get autographs and photos with jazz stars. This stellar line-up of headliner caliber national jazz talent, plus wine tastings, adds up to a smooth mountain getaway.

Copper Country is a free Labor Day festival tradition celebrating the best of the American spirit. Incredible live music, arts festival and Copper Kids Arts & Crafts come together to make this Labor Day weekend event ideal for the entire family. This year’s lineup includes Savannah Jack, The Long Players, Michael McDonald, Texaco Country Showdown and headliner Kenny Rogers. Interviews with artists available by request.

Crested Butte

June 26 – 30 – Crested Butte Bike Week

Since the 1970s, when locals started retrofitting old Schwinn paperboy bikes with multiple gears, Crested Butte has helped write the history of mountain biking and is home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Today, some of the sport’s most thrilling chapters are still unfolding in the Gunnison Valley, with both classic and cutting-edge events on the planet’s most legendary singletrack trails.

Events during this week include the Fat Tire 40 mountain bike race, the infamous Chainless race, Rippin Chix / Crested Butte Mountain Guides clinics with Alison Gannett & Friends, a BIG concert, a Bike Industry / Media Party, shuttles to group rides around the area and much more. For more information, contact the Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce at (970) 349-6438 or visit www.cbbikeweek.com

July 10 – August 28 – Live From Mt. Crested Butte Concert Series Presented by the Mt. Crested Butte Town Center Community Association, the Live from Mt. CB music series returns for the summer of 2013 with an exciting lineup of amazing musicians. Guests are invited to join the fun every Wednesday between July 10 and August 28 for an evening of free music at the base of Mt. Crested Butte. All shows will take place at the Red Lady Stage in Mt. Crested Butte from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. www.livefrommtcb.com. This year's lineup:

July 10- Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real (Rock)

July 17- Pato Banton and the Now Generation (Reggae)

July 24- Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds (Soul)

July 31- Sierra Hull (Bluegrass)

August 7- Dangermuffin (Roots Rock)

August 14- Mingo Fishtrap (Motown)

August 21- The Drunken Hearts (Americana/Jam)

August 28- The Pimps of Joytime (Funk)

August 2 – 4 – The 41st Annual Crested Butte Arts Festival Open-air booths line the five-block center of Crested Butte's National Historic District from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on August 3 and 4, featuring 175 artists who are selected through a very competitive jury process. In addition to the well-loved "Art Alley" for kids ages 2 – 12, the festival features an artist demonstration tent, food court, beer and wine pavilion, live entertainment, art auction and culinary demonstrations all weekend. For more information call (970) 349-1184 or visit www.crestedbutteartsfestival.com.

Friday Night Pedal n' Groove at Crested Butte Mountain Resort From 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Friday throughout the summer, guests can ride the Red Lady Express lift for free. This includes access to the lift-served biking in the Evolution Bike Park and the ability to hike the lower areas on designated trails throughout the mountain. Afterwards they can enjoy a refreshing beverage and live music on the 9380 deck, with nightly happy hour and outdoor grill specials.

Starting on June 5, guests are invited to escape to see the beautiful colors and the cool heights of the western Rocky Mountains on horseback. Gentle mountain breezes set the mood at Sunlight Mountain, and a serene backdrop of the colorful aspen groves, majestic pine trees, abundant wildflowers and a variety of wildlife make this a one-of-a-kind experience. For more information call 970-945-7529 or visit www.sunlightmtn.com to book.

Beginner and Intermediate horseback riders have the chance to enjoy the same spectacular experience as more advanced horseback riders. With a brief orientation to the horses and riding, and with the resort’s trained tour guides, this experience is sure to give even the most timid rider a new found confidence. The family-friendly guided trail ride starts at the Sunlight Stables, adjacent to Sunlight Mountain Resort, high in the beautiful White River National Forest.

Winter Park

June 22 – Winter Park Chocolate Festival The Winter Park Chocolate Festival will include chocolate samples and fine chocolates for sale from a wide variety of regional vendors. Special guests and a full-day's event schedule including live music and entertainment round out the fun. Admission is free to the public. Guests may purchase Taste Tickets to get multiple samples.

June 22 – Trax-N-Trails A fundraiser for the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), the inaugural Trax-N-Trails is a mountain bike race for all skill levels held on the amazing trails at Winter Park Resort’s Trestle Bike Park. In addition to an Elite Race and a more leisurely Recreational Ride, festivities include a bike decorating contest for kids and a parade, music and great food, all while raising funds to support therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports programs.

July 6 – The Village Uncorked Guests can stroll through The Village at Winter Park from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and visit with local Grand County artists as they show off their talents in this one-of-a-kind arts festival. Regional wines and cheeses will also be available for sampling and sales. The hands-on interactive "Learning Tents" will feature adult and youth art classes and demonstrations, cheese workshops, and a wine and cheese pairing course. Guests can purchase unique photos, stained glass, jewelry and more.

July 25 – 28 – Colorado Freeride Festival

One of the premier mountain biking events in the country, the Colorado Freeride Festival is a four-day event that showcases some of the best mountain bike athletes in the world battling for $45,000 in prize money. Events include slopestyle, Enduro World Series racing, air downhill, cross country, and pond crossing, providing excitement for competitors and spectators. The Festivillage will also play host to the biggest brands in mountain biking and action sports as well as providing an opportunity to demo some of the best downhill bikes in the world.

August 24 – 25 – Winter Park Chili Festival

Chili chefs from all over the country will come to Winter Park to compete for $25,000 in prize money and a spot in the World Competition in Palm Springs, California. In addition to chili tasting, the festive atmosphere will include live music.

August 30 – September 2 – Zoppé Circus

The Zoppé Circus returns to Winter Park Resort, welcoming guests into an intimate 500 seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the best history of the Old-World Italian tradition. Starring Nino the clown, the circus is propelled by a central story (as opposed to individual acts) that feature acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation.

September 7 – Whiskey & Wings Festival

Guests can sample the best whiskey and wings in Colorado, as this event features a variety of styles and flavors that are sure to delight every palate. Local restaurants present their best wings as they vie for the “People’s Choice Award for the Best Wings.” In addition to the competing, the festival includes whiskey tasting and live music.

Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) is the not-for-profit trade association representing Colorado’s 22 ski & snowboard resorts. CSCUSA is the global voice of the Colorado ski industry. The Association’s primary functions are concentrated in marketing, public policy and public relations. Information about CSCUSA and its members can be found at www.ColoradoSki.com. This release and other press information can be found in the online press room at http://media-ColoradoSki.com.